Fundamentals in melee

[Kidney Thief]

So some people lately have been saying I have great fundamentals, and I have no idea what they mean by fundamentals. It's such a broad word it could basically mean anything. What are they complimenting me on anyway? I'm decent at tech skill but nothing amazing, I have good spacing when it comes to offense but not defenisvely so it's probably not that either. I don't even have a main I just play half the characters so I'm not amazing at anything really I just get by. Are they just seeing something I'm good at and they have no clue how to describe it so they throw out the word fundamental as a filler word because they have no idea why the **** I'm good at stuff in this game?

 

[AirFair]

Well, fundamental is defined as a central or primary rule or principle on which something is based. I think they are just saying that you have a good grasp of the basics, to put it shortly. The fact that you are aware of your skill is good. Fundamentals can always be expanded on, so I guess you are on the right track.

 

[Heavy Gomez]

I'm pretty sure they just mean you're good at not getting hit and hitting other people.

 

[gmBottles]

Sounds like a fancy way of saying you're good at the game in general. Someone telling me I have great fundamentals sounds more special than just "You're good".

 

[EPsilon933]

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/208-fighting-games/69088051

 

[anikom15]

Well I think I have some nasty habits considering I've played casually since SSB64 came out and haven't started playing 'srsly' until last year but I'm still good at reads, timing, controlling the stick, but I have not verily good reflexes. Thus I'm pretty good with L-cancelling, dodging, countering, but not good at wavedashing and comboing.

So fundamentals should be reserved for things that are translatable. If you have good fundamentals, then you can pick up any game and be alright even if you're not familiar with the technical details.

That's how I think of it.

 

[EddyBearr]

You have generally good 2-D spacing, timing, mental play, situational and stage awareness, reads, move choice, and a general idea of the general game-plan for the game and the characters you're playing as.
This is contrasted from someone who knows that shine knocks down mewtwo and thus to go for a tech-chase, or someone who knows that 20XW spacies like to air-dodge back on stage when thrown off, or that is perfect at shield-drop aerial interrupts with Luigi.

A lot of older players, which I remember you being, have quite good fundamentals but perhaps lack in technical skill or metagame and matchup knowledge.

 

[Kidney Thief]

That sounds about right, I guess the next step to improve at this point is to find a top tier main and go nuts with tech skill in my room

 

[gmBottles]

That sounds about right, I guess the next step to improve at this point is to find a top tier main and go nuts with tech skill in my room

Just find whoever you like the most, then go nuts. Doesn't really have to be a top tier. Really good low tiers are always super hype.